Week at a Glance Feb. 12-16 | Yearbook Black History Month, Mustang of the Week
Sunday February 11: TODAY - Last day to purchase a yearbook for 2023-24
On Tuesday at lunch, students are invited to the Foods Room to participate in the first ‘Diversity and Equity’ Club Meeting at SJAM. This is part of CBE Cares - Every student should have the opportunity to succeed personally and academically regardless of background, identity or personal circumstances. As a school, we are working together every day to build positive and inclusive learning and work environments for everyone.
Leadership has played a leading role in exploring Black History month with our school community. Here are additional resources for families:
This past Thursday, we hosted our Grade 6 tours in the afternoon, followed up by the evening Open House. 130 students volunteered, alongside staff, to showcase the many features that make our school welcoming and caring. School Council and the Chinese Academy also set up a table to provide information on their initiatives. Thank you to Mr. Jensen, our staff and many students for creating an engaging day for our future Grade 7 students and their families.
Current Grade 7 and 8 students will select their complementary courses by the end of February, while current Grade 9 students need to submit their high school course requests. This process will start next week for current Grade 7 and 8 students at school. Course offerings were posted on our website last week: SJAM Complementary Classes 2024-25
If families have questions about Valley Creek School, please reach out to valleycreek@cbe.ab.ca. The date of their Open House is Thursday February 29 (5:30 – 7:00 pm): Flyer . Students in the new Valley Creek catchment area will automatically have their student account transferred to their new school. Ms. Colbourne, the Principal, will be providing information about complementary course selection in the weeks ahead. If your child has a robust reason to stay at SJAM, rather than going to Valley Creek, please email Ms. Hornby (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca) by early March 2024 for further details about the process. This information relates to the letter sent out in October 2023 to families in the Hidden Valley and Valley Creek areas: Notice.
Indigenous Education Update
Ms. Bethany (bjbalis@cbe.ab.ca)
Oki, Tansi, Danit'ada, Umba-watich, Tawnshi, Bonjour, Hello
At our upcoming Teachers Convention, there are a significant number of learning opportunities for staff to explore indigenous ways of knowing, part of the Teaching Quality Standards. This learning will be transferred back to the classroom as we continue to work towards our TRC Commitment.
Aaayyy, Hiy Hiy, Siyisgaas, Mîkwec, Merci, Thank you.
Leadership Update
Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph (nahudson@cbe.ab.ca and ledawson@cbe.ab.ca)
We want to send a huge shout out to all of our volunteers for the open house! Thank you for welcoming our grade 6 students into our Mustang community. You are wonderful role models, and we appreciated you sharing your Mustang pride!
Coming up this week:
- Candygrams to be distributed Feb. 14
- Love yourself initiative at lunch in the foyer with the nursing students Feb. 14
Mustang of the Week: Mr. Burak U. (81) is being recognized as our Mustang of the Week. Burak plays a leading role in nurturing a positive learning environment in the classroom offering transition support to new learners. Citizenship, personal development and character are at an exemplary level on his report card. Evidence of teamwork is noted by all Burak’s teachers as he strives to generate optimal learning conditions in 81. Congratulations Burak!
Athletics Update
Mr. Jones (sdjones@cbe.ab.ca)
Volleyball continues this week with away games on Monday and Tuesday and a home game on Wednesday. It is great to see the vast improvement already in each of our four teams. Go Mustangs!
Future games dates can be found in the schedule on the bulletin board across from the PE office and online in our SJAM Athletic Center.
Upcoming SJAM Events
Ongoing:
- Parent Society Fun Lunches - lunch every Wednesday; digital order needs to be in by the prior Friday.
- School Clubs.
Sunday February 11: last day to secure a yearbook for 2023-24 - SJAM Yearbook
Tuesday February 13: First meeting of the ‘Diversity and Equity Committee’ (Foods Room) at lunchtime
Wednesday September 14:
- Self Love Initiative and Candygram distribution
- Club and Sports Team Photo Day for the Yearbook
Thursday February 15 and Friday February 16: Teachers Convention – no school for students
Monday February 19: Family Day – no school for students
Tuesday February 20: Virtual School Council Meeting (6:30 – 8:00 pm)
Wednesday February 21: Future Grade 8 and 9 Course selection + Buddies for 2024-25 Opens
Thursday February 22: Soup Sisters at lunchtime
Friday February 23: MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) presentation to Grade 9 students (9:00 – 10:00 am)
Wednesday February 28: Pink T-Shirt Anti-Bullying Day across Canada
Thursday February 29:
- Last day to sign up for SJAM Grade 8 and 9 Course Selection
- Valley Creek Open House
March 15: Firm deadline to apply for high school transfers - CBE Link